Equipment Notes

Mountaineering Boots: Recommended boots for this trip are comfortable, warm and stiff - to take a crampon securely/deal with cold conditions. Either a B3 or B2 boot will be suitable, but NOT a B1

Crampons: Modern strap on crampons are perfectly acceptable for this climbing trek and will fit any boot. All crampons MUST be fitted with anti-balling plates. Grivel crampons - G10 or G12 with a strap system/or semi-strap/heel clip are excellent and they come fitted with anti-balling plates. Make sure they are compatible with your boots.

Equipment hire / rental: The following equipment can be hired from KE: Crampons (with anti-balling plates) and crampon bag; Climbing helmet; Harness (with karabiner); Ice-axe. This can be reserved either when you book your trip or closer to your departure but we advise booking hire equipment as soon as possible to ensure availability. Equipment hire is free if booking a minimum of 1 month in advance. Otherwise total hire charges are £90. Individual items can also be hired. We do not hire mountaineering boots, but there are several shops in Chamonix/Argentiere renting boots that are suitable for this trip.

Sleeping bags/extra shoes: These are NOT required as bedding and hut shoes/slippers are provided at mountain refuges. However, you must bring a sheet sleeping bag

Online advice

PHD Gear Advisor: PHD specialise in cold weather equipment, from the worlds lightest right up to the most protective for Everest or the Poles. Its a large range. So to help you choose what you need to keep you warm, PHD have listed the gear that is appropriate for this expedition.

Needle Sports: Needle Sports is the English Lake District's foremost specialist climbing shop supplying mountaineering, rock, ice, alpine and expedition equipment worldwide. Internationally recognised as among the very best of the UK's top technical climbing gear retailers. They have a good range of equipment appropriate for this trip and offer knowledgeable advice both on their website and in store. View >>http://www.needlesports.com/